Bangkok Best Sights and Attractions

Bangkok is a city full of amazing sights and attractions. From the famous floating markets to street food and unforgettable nightlife, you’ll find something for everyone.

Bangkok is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful temples. You can see them in all their glory on a day trip from the capital.

1. Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the most famous landmarks in Bangkok. This massive palace complex was built in 1782 to serve as the Thai royal court and administrative centre. Today, it is a popular attraction for tourists and offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Thailand.

As with many of the attractions in Bangkok, you must wear culturally appropriate clothing to enter the Grand Palace. This means long skirts and trousers (at least ankle length), as well as sleeved shirts for women and a sarong or loose-fitting suit for men.

You can reach the Grand Palace via Bangkok’s subway system, known as the BTS. Take the Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station, also called S6. Move out of Exit 2 to Sathorn Pier, then take a boat up the river to Tha Chang Pier N9.

Once you arrive at the pier, you can walk for around 5-7 minutes from the pier to the Grand Palace entrance. Beware of scammers who will approach you outside and tell you that the palace is closed for the day if you don’t have an official ticket.

Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Bangkok will cost about 15 euros per day, in Patong - about 14 euros per day.

2. Lumphini Park

If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, you might want to head to Lumphini Park (pronounced “loom-pee-nee”). This massive 142-acre green space offers a welcome break from the city’s crowds and noise.

The park was created in the 1920s around an artificial lake and includes landscaped paths for walking, jogging, cycling, and picnicking. It also has a playground and paddle boats on the lake for children to play in.

There are also some interesting animals living in the park. The most famous are monitor lizards, which look like miniature crocodiles but are not considered dangerous.

You can watch them in the water as they swim or wandering around looking for food. It’s an interesting sight and one that you should definitely keep your eyes open for.

You can reach Lumphini Park from Bangkok by taking the BTS skytrain to Sala Daen, then walk south for about 20 minutes. You can also take the Bangkok Metro underground/metro MRT to Si Lom or Lumphini Stations.

3. Bangkok National Museum

A visit to the Bangkok National Museum offers a chance to see the country’s largest collection of Thai art, history and relics. The impressive collection includes ancient fishing tools, stone statues and sacred depictions of Buddha.

Located in the Wang Na palace complex, which was once the home of Thailand’s prince-viceroys, the museum is a great introduction to Thai culture and heritage. It’s also a perfect starting point for those who want to explore the city’s temples and ruins later on their trip.

The relics on display at the National Museum are from many Asian kingdoms. A slender stone pillar inscribed with an inscription from King Ramkamhaeng, a 13th century king of Sukhothai who was known as the “Father of Thai Writing,” is one of the highlights here.

You’ll want to take your time if you’re planning to explore the entire museum, which is a maze of buildings with limited signage. A free map from the ticket desk makes it easier to navigate, and English-speaking volunteers may offer free guided tours on Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

4. Jim Thompson’s House

During your time in Bangkok, it is hard to miss the iconic Jim Thompson’s House. The home of the famous American businessman who brought Thai silk to international fashion and the CIA, it’s a must-see for anyone who wants to experience Thai culture in all its glory.

Upon his arrival in Thailand, Jim Thompson began collecting Asian art and antiques from all over the region. He travelled through Burma, Cambodia and Laos, bringing back unique pieces of architecture, furniture, and religious statues.

The renowned architect, collector and businessman used his knowledge to restore the dying Thai silk industry in the 1950s. After he disappeared in 1967, his house was converted into a museum and now houses his incredible collection of Asia artworks and antiques.

You can visit the house and gardens on your own, although it is recommended that you join a tour. The guided tours take around 30 minutes and cost 200 Baht (THB) per adult, 100 baht for those under 22 years old/students.

You can also get to the house and gardens by water taxi. The canal that Jim Thompson used to revolutionize the Thai silk industry is near this attraction, and you can hire a water taxi from Hua Chang (Siam Square) to get there.

5. Terminal 21

Terminal 21 is a Bangkok shopping mall that resembles an airport, with all floors based on a particular destination. These include the Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London and Istanbul.

This is a truly unique shopping experience. There are over 600 stores, a cineplex and a variety of restaurants that will take you around the world without having to leave the city.

The first floor is a traveller’s dream, with everything you could possibly need from inexpensive clothing to designer brands. You can also spend some time in the city-themed floors like Paris and Toyko, which offer up everything from trendy Asian skincare to funky shoe shops.

If you’re looking for some Thai street food, head up to the fifth floor where a huge Food Court is housed. It’s a great place to try all of the popular dishes from across Thailand, and you can eat as much or as little as you want, at an affordable price.

For a comfortable stay in Bangkok, book a room at Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21 (SHA Plus+). This five-star hotel is strategically situated on Sukhumvit and provides easy access to the BTS Asok station as well as the MRT Sukhumvit station. All rooms include free WiFi, deluxe bedding and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and microwaves.

6. Koh Kret

Koh Kret is a man-made island located in the Chao Praya river. Despite the man-made nature, it is a real escape from Bangkok and offers a real experience of Thai rural life.

You can reach Koh Kret by taking a ferry from Pak Kret pier, which leaves on a daily basis. It takes about 90 minutes, costing 90 THB.

The island is a fantastic escape from Bangkok and is home to several Mon-style temples including Wat Poramai Yikawat, which features a 200-year-old leaning stupa that tilts over the river. It also has a number of pottery villages where you can see the Mon people at work making their unique red clay terracotta-ware jugs and bowls.

You can explore Koh Kret on foot or rent a bike to ride around the village and main attractions. There are plenty of shops selling kwan arman pottery for souvenirs, and you can also try your hand at making it yourself in one of the many workshops on the island.

7. Chao Phraya River Cruise

Bangkok has a long list of things to do, but one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city is to take a river cruise on the Chao Phraya River. After checking in at the River City Pier, you’ll get to see all of the most iconic landmarks of the city on board a modern and spacious boat.

The cruise will start with a welcome drink and you’ll be given the opportunity to enjoy a delicious buffet dinner onboard the boat. The captain will skillfully steer the ship past Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and more – giving you plenty of time to take photos and soak up the sights from the water.

There are a variety of different ferries you can use to get around the Chao Phraya River. Some are orange-flagged express boats, while others are blue-flagged Chao Phraya Tourist Boats.

Another way to explore the river is by longtail boat. This is a great option for those who want to visit the lesser-visited khlongs, and there are some piers that let you hire a longtail for a private tour of the area.

The river is also home to a Mon island, Koh Kret, which remains something of a local secret. It’s a beautiful place to explore by longtail boat, with a handful of villages on the island skirted by stilt houses.